Do you think
Because you do not see
Do not feel it
That it’s not
Our nation’s heritage?
That it’s not
Truly here?
But I do
For I know it
For I feel its brunt
Since birth
Its macabre company
Intertwined for life.
You remain oblivious
For it does not touch you
Its parts to let you pass
But not for me
Tentacles reach out
Grab and ensnare .
I feel in in my core
When you say Abbo
Or Paki, Lebbo,
Muslim, Nigger, Chink
Or pull a face in mockery.
I hear it in remarks
Of politicians knowingly
Pandering to constituents
Debasing themselves
Shamelessly
I see in greetings
In that spontaneous instant
Unwitting reactions
In micro-gestures
A slight double take
In wary eyes
As try not to stare.
Do not think
We are blind
To this oppression
Do not think
That we agree
With the status quo
Your expectations
For a nice nice voice.
Do not cause trouble
Do not ruffle features
Fit in
Be a nice boy
A good boy
Nod your head
Know your station
Be silent
Be a parody
Of a middle class white man.
But I never did learn
To speak as you
Your etiquette
Politely looking down
From a boys club
I will never belong to
My lack of social niceties
I’m from a
Different part of town
Do you think
I’ve forgotten those times?
As a young child
Day after day
My daily punishment
Forced to stand in a brown line up.
Indians
Relegated to comedy?
Teachers willfully
Ignoring our shame
Our lot in life
Antipathy and ignorance
The order for the day.
Do you think I’ve forgotten?
With others of colour
Bullied and tormented
By young fascists
The shame and humiliation
Unable to bare the truth
To my own parents.
The least I could do
To spare them anguish
The least I could do
To gift them
Ignorance.
But I grew up resilient
I had no choice
One ceiling I broke though
Though many others remain.
Don’t you know
It affected me
Help set in my life’s trajectory
Set me afloat
How I response to the world
I do not accept racist attitudes
Excuses
Or platitudes
I am impatient for change
Not delay or bullshit.
And to you racists
Growing in number
Wallowing in ignorance
Eyes closed to justice
Well fuck you
And your disdain.